DAYLOR, Thomas (1849-1909)

DAYLOR, FEE

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 1/28/2024 at 13:05:02

Death of Thomas Daylor

Information was received in Britt Sunday of the death of Thomas Daylor, who passed away at his cottage in Clear Lake at 4 o’clock p.m., Aug 15, 1909, after an illness of several weeks.

Thomas Daylor was born in Ottawa, Canada, May 24, 1849. At three years of age he came with his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Daylor, to Dubuque, where he lived until he moved to Britt in 1878. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. A, 26th Iowa [Infantry] with his father and marched and fought with him side by side till the end of the war. Naturally they were great comrades and were thereafter as much like brothers as father and son. Shortly after returning from the war he entered the service of John Bell, the famous dry goods jobber of Dubuque at that time, and developed into so good a salesman that he for a number of years was traveling salesman, making the trip with his sample cases and trunks by buggy, as was the custom in those days, his trip covered a 300 mile drive in northwest Iowa.

In 1878 he came to Britt and opened up the first general store in this place and continued in business here until a few years ago when he moved to Mason City. He was successful in business and made a considerable fortune. He still has a considerable interest in Britt, including a half interest in the opera house block and owns several farms near here.

A short funeral service was held at Clear Lake on Tuesday morning conducted by Rev. Kaye of the Episcopal Church, after which the remains were brought to Britt by the Milwaukee at 3 p.m. and the interment made at the Evergreen Cemetery beside his first wife who died in Britt several years ago.

At Britt the remains were met at the depot, by a number of friends and the G. A. R. post of which Mr. Daylor was a charter member. The ceremonies at the grave were conducted by the members of the Post in accordance with the ritual of the order.

Mr. Daylor is survived by his wife, two sons and a sister, the latter Mrs. Fee, living in Duluth, Minn.

source: Britt News, Britt, Iowa, 19 Aug 1909, page 5, column 6